The bill was subject of discussion at the National Child Care and Protection Forum last week.

Speaking on POWER Lunch, department spokesperson Lumka Oliphant deliberated on the importance of prohibiting corporal punishment at home.

“When a man hits a woman it is illegal but we are saying it’s ok when children are being hit. We are trying to make sure that children are protected at home. We are also trying to encourage different ways of disciplining our children,” Oliphant told host Aphelele Somi.

Oliphant says they are looking forward to hearing feedback from all interested parties on the act, including children, before it can be gazetted.